During Gabriel González Videla's presidency in Chile, from 1946 to 1952, trade unions played a crucial role in the political landscape. His term is particularly noted for the fluctuating relationship with the Communist Party, which had significant influence among trade unions.

Key Points:

1. Initial Alliance and Support:

   • González Videla was initially elected with the backing of a leftist coalition, including the Communist Party, which had strong ties with major trade unions. This coalition helped him secure substantial support during the elections.

2. Trade Unions and the Ley de Defensa Permanente de la Democracia:

   • After his election, however, González Videla faced pressure from the U.S. during the early Cold War period, leading to a shift in policy against communism.
   • He enacted the "Ley de Defensa Permanente de la Democracia" (Law for the Permanent Defense of Democracy) in 1948, which effectively outlawed the Communist Party and significantly impacted trade unions linked to it.

3. Impact on Labor Movements:

   • The law and subsequent crackdowns weakened trade unions associated with communists. Union leaders and members were persecuted, and the communist influence in organized labor was diminished.
   • Despite the repression, trade unions adapted by aligning with other political forces or reconciling with government policies to survive.

4. Shift in Union Politics:

   • The restrictions pressured trade unions to navigate a political terrain where overt communist affiliation was dangerous, leading to a restructuring of union allegiances and strategies.
   • The relationship with González Videla's government became strained, as unions sought to advocate for worker rights within a hostile environment.

5. Legacy and Restructure:

   • The repression during González Videla’s presidency had lasting effects on the ideological composition and strategies of Chilean trade unions. It set the stage for future labor movements to approach political engagement with more caution and diversification of alliances.

For more detailed information about the period and trade union dynamics, you might refer to historical analyses and articles such as those available on Britannica and scholarly works on Chilean political history.

This era was significant in setting the stage for further political developments in Chile, influencing how unions interacted with subsequent governments during the Cold War period.